Gareth McAuley believes a loan move will benefit Liverpool right-back Conor Bradley
Gareth McAuley believes a loan move to Bolton Wanderers for Liverpool youngster Conor Bradley is what the 18-year-old right-back needed.
Speaking to the Belfast Telegraph (Subscription Required) [h/t Liverpool Echo], the former Northern Irish and Premier League centre-back a move away from Anfield is the right one for Bradley.
“It’s a terrific move for the young Northern Ireland full-back. He’ll get regular first-team football at a decent level.”
McAuley thinks that fighting for promotion with the Trotters in League One would provide the 18-year-old with the experience he needs.
“It’s exactly what he needs at 18 years of age and, from all the reports I’ve received on the kid and having watched him play, I think he’ll thrive at Bolton.”
The Northern Irish legend likes Bradley’s attitude and feels that youngster needed a move to have his eyes opened. The 42-year-old is of the opinion that the gruelling schedule of England’s third tier with prominent figures in the dressing room will help Bradley grow on and off the pitch.
A loan move away from Liverpool the right decision for Bradley
Playing regularly for the Liverpool U23 side for 2 years now, the young right-back is certainly one for the future. Bradley has also got eight caps for the Northern Ireland senior team.
As McAuley points out, with the addition of Calvin Ramsay to the squad this summer, it would’ve been difficult for the 18-year-old to get any minutes on the pitch with Trent Alexander-Arnold the first choice for Jurgen Klopp.
A loan move will be beneficial for Bradley as he gets first-hand experience of competitive first-team football. Even though Bolton are in the third tier of English football, the experience in and around the first team will help the 18-year-old develop his game quicker.
Not being involved in Liverpool’s squad and playing for the reserve side wouldn’t have done the talented youngster any good. Thus, a move to Lancashire will help Bradley improve his ability and mentality.
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It remains to be seen whether the 18-year-old can make a name for himself in League One next season. However, a good season with Bolton will certainly improve the youngster’s stock and provide an opportunity for Premier League football in a year’s time.
